The tension in the dimly lit room was suffocating. Professor Sever*s stood, his dark robes billowing slightly as though charged by his palpable anger. His black eyes, cold as the dungeons surrounding them, bore into Mattheo, who leaned against the doorframe with crossed arms. Tom stood to the side, calm yet commanding, his presence as sharp as the unspoken words hanging between them.

Sever*s’s voice was a deadly whisper, every syllable laced with venom. “My judgments are absolute, Tom. Your brother has broken the rules I crafted without exception. He has brought disgrace upon my daughter... And for such offenses, forgiveness is out of the question.”

Mattheo’s smirk faltered, his fists clenching at his sides. But before he could fire back, Tom stepped forward, his tone a perfect mix of reason and quiet authority.

“Your daughter made her choice just as deliberately as Mattheo did,” Tom said, his measured words slicing through the tension like a blade. “And yet, you direct your fury solely at him. But tell me, Sever*s, what will you truly achieve by k/lling him? Justice? Closure? Or merely the fleeting illusion of control over something that was never yours to command?”

Mattheo snorted, shoving off the doorframe. “Save it, Tom! I didn’t ask for your help!”

Tom turned to his brother, his expression hardening. “Of course not, little brother... You never do. And that, right there, is the fatal flaw in your nature!” His voice rose slightly, commanding attention. “Leave now! Acting like a martyr serves neither her nor your unborn child!”

Mattheo glared at him, his chest rising and falling as if he were fighting an invisible battle. Finally, he spun on his heel, heading for the door. But he paused just before leaving, looking back over his shoulder.

“Fine, I’ll go,” he spat, his tone dripping with frustration. “But don’t kid yourself, brother. You’re no better than me.”

Without waiting for an answer, he stormed out and decided to come to you, the mother of his child.